Hepatitis G virus (HGV) is a bloodborne virus that primarily affects the liver, causing inflammation and damage, similar to other hepatitis viruses. It was first identified in the early 1990s and is classified within the Flaviviridae family.
Hepatitis G virus is transmitted through contaminated blood and blood products, as well as via sexual contact and mother-to-child transmission during childbirth. People who inject drugs, receive blood transfusions or organ transplants, or engage in high-risk sexual behaviors are at an increased risk of contracting HGV. However, the virus is relatively rare and most people with HGV infection do not experience any symptoms.
When symptoms do occur, they are usually mild and non-specific, including fatigue, nausea, and abdominal discomfort. The majority of HGV infections resolve spontaneously and do not progress to chronic hepatitis or liver complications. However, there have been rare cases of chronic HGV infection, which may lead to liver cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma, although the association is not yet fully understood.
Diagnosis of HGV infection is done through blood tests that detect the presence of antibodies to the virus or viral RNA. There is no specific treatment for HGV, and most cases do not require medical intervention. However, individuals with chronic hepatitis G may benefit from antiviral therapy used for other related hepatitis viruses.
Prevention measures for HGV include practicing safe sex, using sterile needles, and ensuring proper screening and testing of blood and blood products before transfusion. It is important for individuals at risk to be educated about the transmission routes and encouraged to take necessary precautions to prevent HGV infection.
